Beverly Jean Chappell

Beverly Jean Chappell, 96, passed away May 25, 2017 at the Brookdale Foundation in Dodge City, Kansas.  She was born on December 9, 1920 in Pawnee Rock, Kansas the daughter of Harry Herbert and Elsie (Bayon) Houdyshell.

Bev’s family moved to California when she was two years old. They owned and operated Houdyshell Bakery’s in California, Kansas, and New Mexico. Beverly took dancing and acrobatic lessons as a young girl. She also helped in the bakery before and after school. She attended Plains High School, graduating in 1939. Her family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico after graduation where she attended the University of New Mexico. She was pursuing a Physical Education degree when she was reunited with a former Plains High School student (Louis Chappell) who came into the Houdyshell Bakery for a “donut”! They were married on September 5, 1942. They moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where Louis was a Civilian Flight Instructor for the Army Air Corp. After the war, they moved to the farm where they built a house North of Plains. Their first son was born in June of 1943, a daughter (Sandi) was born in 1947 and a son (Jerry) in 1948. Beverly continued to teach tap dancing at the Mertilla Township School and belonged to the Ideal Homemakers Club. They retired to Dodge City in 1981 and enjoyed traveling and fishing with their 5th wheel trailer and boat. They celebrated their 74th wedding Anniversary at the Brookdale Foundation in Dodge City.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband Louis Chappell; two and a half year old son Louis I. Chappell Jr.; brother H.H. Houdyshell Jr. (Jack); and her parents Harry and Elsie.

She is survived by two children: daughter Sandi (Glenn) Schiff of Seward, Alaska; and son Jerry (Donna) Chappell of Plains; five grandchildren: Ryan (Kristen) Stapleton of Meade, Bart (Brandi) Stapleton of Port Charlotte, Florida, Shay (Michael) Frederick of Johnston, Iowa, Jeanie (Shane) Adams of Bucklin, and Jerry D. Chappell Jr. of Copeland; nine great grandchildren: Craig (Katie) Stapleton of Wichita, Jadon and Sierra Stapleton both of Port Charlotte, Florida, Jaylin, Jarret, Grayden and Sayler Stapleton all of Meade, Mickayla Frederick of Johnston, Iowa, and Gage Adams of Bucklin; four great great grandchildren: Titan, Athena, Bentlee and Haven; and one niece Pam (Larry) Carter of Laguna Hills, California.

Graveside service and burial will be held at Plains Cemetery on Thursday June  1, 2017 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Ted  Skalsky presiding.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Wednesday May 31, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to The Brookdale Foundation in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.